Papers focus on end of Moscow siege

The bloody end to the Moscow theatre siege receives maximum coverage in the Sundays.

The Daily Mail says the decision to send in special forces was the toughest of President Vladimir Putin's career.

It believes a clear message has been sent to hostage takers that they will meet no mercy from the Kremlin and leaves President Putin stronger than before.

The Sunday Telegraph maintains the dramatic end to the siege has "burnished his credentials as a strongman".

But the Observer suggests for Russia to now extend its campaign in Chechnya would be a fatal error, piling tragedy on tragedy and continuing the same mistaken path the country has pursued for a decade.

Several papers, among them the Observer and the Independent, report government plans for new date-rape laws.

The Observer says it would close a legal loop-hole, which allows rape suspects to walk free by claiming they "honestly" believed the victim wanted sex.

Fire strikes delayed for further talks

There is a general sigh of relief the planned strike by fire crews is off - at least for the time being.

The Mail says it is being seen as a climb-down by the Fire Brigades Union.

The Telegraph declares that what it calls " the panicked talks of the past few days" give the impression the government can be " swayed by threats of industrial action in essential public services".

'Unattainable' education goal

The resignation of Estelle Morris and the appointment of Charles Clarke as her successor provoke much comment.

The Sunday Express says Mr Clarke faces a raft of problems and has only days in which to get to grips with them.

He told the paper: "If I'm not up to the job I'll resign - but I don't think that will happen."

The Telegraph suggests Ms Morris quit the post not on the grounds of personal inadequacy but because, as a shrewd politician, she knew the task she faced was unachievable.

The Mail's columnist, Stewart Steven, has some sympathy for the plight of the former education supremo.

Mr Steven writes: "She's a decent, normal, and rather brilliant human being.

"If the system cannot encompass the likes of Estelle Morris," he suggests, "Then there is something wrong with the system."

Criminal's apology to victim

According to the Sunday Times, police chiefs are proposing criminals should be able to apologise to their victims in court rather than be prosecuted.

The paper says the suggestion has alarmed anti-crime campaigners who fear such a liberal approach would be abused by criminals.

Finally, the Observer's man in Scotland reports on the shooting enthusiasts from Italy, paying £750 for four days firing at birds in Fife with semi-automatic shot-guns.

When the Italian sportsmen go to Scotland, the Observer reveals , their target is not partridge or pheasant but instead the humble pigeon.